Median Income
$57,600
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$150,000
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.8%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$765
34% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.7%
27% higher than US avg
How Wadena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,269
Median Age52.4 yrs
Density1,098/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Economy
B
Median Income$57,600
Per Capita$46,100
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty15.7%
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$150,000
Rent$765
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units605
Rent Burden9.1%
Climate
Avg TempN/A
AQIN/A
Elevation1,788 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.8%
High School+36.5%
Graduate+1.4%
Is Wadena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wadena receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Wadena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wadena is $57,600, 23% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 15.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wadena is $150,000, 47% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 36.5% have completed high school.
Wadena has a population of 1,269 with a density of 1,098 people per square mile. The median age is 52.4 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (97.5%).
Population
1,269
Total Population
2021 Census
52.4yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 91.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.4% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Other Languages | 7.9% |
The median household income in Wadena is $57,600, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,600 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,100 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.9% |
The median home value in Wadena is $150,000, 47% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $765 (34% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $150,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $765 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.1% |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 81.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.8% |
| Housing Units | 605 |
Property Tax
Health Metrics: Wadena vs U.S. Average (%)
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
Food & Exercise
Crime Rates: Wadena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Geography
| Elevation | 1,788 ft (545 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,098/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 51.9500°N, 103.8010°W |
| Timezone | America/Regina |